John McCabe - Symphony No.4 "Of Time and the River"; Flute Concerto

John McCABE (1939-2015) 

Symphony No. 4 'Of Time and the River (1993-94)

Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1989/90)

Emily Beynon (Flute) 

BBC Symphony Orchestra 

Vernon Handley

Recorded in Studio 1, BBC Maida Vale, London, on 15, 16 December 1998

John McCabe's music is finally receiving the recognition it deserves and this splendid new recording confirms the status of one of Britain'' finest symphonists. The Fourth, ''Of Time and the River'' is very kaleidoscopic with some wonderful flashing moments of inspiration held together by some real splendid orchestral patches that recall Simpson in their recreation of musical blocks of symphonic thought. This is a one-movement work that although including modernist tendencies is quite accessible, not least after reading Guy Rickard's impeccable dissertation in the accompanying booklet.

McCabe provides markings for six movements, which include a magnificently sinister Allegro deciso, and a complex Mesto where the sounds of power are quelled in a peaceful coda of almost disarming beauty. Handley's interpretation is well-nigh unsurpassable, he is completely at one with the music bringing an almost Tippett-like intensity to the proceedings and the BBC orchestra provides some marvelous playing from first note to last. The Flute Concerto is permeated with the same intensity and sense of commitment, in a way it is more episodic than the symphony.

The spirit of the performance by Emily Beynon is almost Galway like in spirit; its dedicatee has indeed given this work proper exposure. The three distinct movements are played without a break and the same spine-tingling mechanisms inform the strangely original landscape. Virtuosity and power are matched by both artists especially in the concluding Andante where a sense of calm and resignation is so moving. This is indeed a committed and highly commendable performance throughout. Hyperion's recording is superb with a believable soundstage and a spectrum that catches all the nuances of the music with outstanding clarity. I would recommend this disc to Simpson devotees and for a dip into the music of one of Britain's outstanding living composers.

Gerald Fenech